The Haunting of Blaine Manor
Written & Directed by Joe O'Byrne
England, 1953.
Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in what is said to be the most haunted building in England, a building with a horrific history, Blaine Manor. Even the locals won’t set foot there, as all who walk within those grounds will be cursed.
But his arrival at the manor has awoken something, something horrific within the walls. As a raging storm closes off Blaine Manor from the outside world, Earle and the others find that what is waiting there is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with him…
Renowned American parapsychologist Doctor Roy Earle, famous for discrediting hauntings and exposing fake mediums, is invited to attend a seance in what is said to be the most haunted building in England, a building with a horrific history, Blaine Manor. Even the locals won’t set foot there, as all who walk within those grounds will be cursed.
But his arrival at the manor has awoken something, something horrific within the walls. As a raging storm closes off Blaine Manor from the outside world, Earle and the others find that what is waiting there is not nearly as horrific as what has entered with him…
Reviews
We've garnered stunning reviews on the journey thus far. The play is a hit with critics and audiences alike, and of course we want to thank all the reviewers and audiences that have joined us so far, you have been absolutely amazing. We have also had some stunning photography from Karen McBride and Shay Rowan, and this site will be opening pages soon dedicated to their images, and updating Darren McGinn's beautiful imagery for the play.
This is early days, there is much more to come as plans are under way to take the play much further afield. Keep checking in here on the blog page to see future plans for The Haunting of Blaine Manor and of course, for Tales from Paradise Heights.
Joe x
This is early days, there is much more to come as plans are under way to take the play much further afield. Keep checking in here on the blog page to see future plans for The Haunting of Blaine Manor and of course, for Tales from Paradise Heights.
Joe x
'The revelations of witchcraft, madness, torture and the usual paranormal goings-on come thick and fast in this compelling narrative.'
Kevin Bourke, Manchester Theatre Awards
'The Haunting of Blaine Manor harks back to the age of classic suspense and horror films and film noir...it comes across very much in the same cannon as Agatha Christie or perhaps even Daphne Du Maurier. The second act is where the play really comes alive and the twists are skillfully woven, which few,
if any, will see coming.'
John Waterhouse, Manchestersalon.org.uk
'Imagine the great Martin Scorcese suddenly popping up at Cannes with a good old-fashioned twisty-turny, Hitchcockian haunted house thriller. Well, local hero Joe O’Byrne (Greater Manchester’s finest chronicler of the modern day social conscience) is our very own Scorcese; and he’s done just that.'
Brian Gorman, Fictionmaker.com
'...there's a great deal here to appreciate and enjoy. I loved the nods to
horror tropes, the powerful sense of place, even the lavish period set.'
Richard Stamp, Fringe Guru
'I urge you to go and see it while you have the chance, because the chance is unlikely to come again: either it will get the recognition it deserves and become like Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap and play night after night in the West End to packed audiences audiences and standing ovations - having passed through major 'provincial' (don't you just hate that word) along the way,
or it will be lost in the abyss.'
Jon Williams, writer/producer Diary of a Bad Lad
'The script is littered with clues and red-herrings, enough to keep you guessing right to the very end, building to a satisfying and original finale.'
Matt Forrest, The Reviews Hub
